Stone, George counties now under burn bans

SOUTH MISSISSIPPI (WLOX) - Four South Mississippi counties are now under burn bans. Stone and George counties on Thursday announced that no outdoor burning will be allowed until further notice.

Earlier this week, Jackson and Harrison counties enacted their own burn bans because of the extreme dry conditions in South Mississippi.

According to the National Weather Service, the coastal counties are approximately 15 inches behind average rainfall for the year. Even though a possibility of rain is predicted for Thursday and Friday, the amount of precipitation (<.1/2") will not be enough to correct the dry conditions.

Hancock County officials told WLOX News they were waiting to see just how much rain our area might get Thursday before putting a burn ban in place.

Typically, cooking on outside charcoal and gas grills is still permitted during a burn ban. But grill users are asked to stay alert and take caution while working with open flames and hot embers.